Haggard, Kristofferson: No glitz, all country

Bob Gendron, Special to the Tribune

There weren't any surprises during Merle Haggard and Kris Kristofferson's 100-minute set Sunday at an under-capacity Rosemont Theatre. Still cutting against the mainstream decades into their careers, the two legends kept the music simple and stories sharp, turning in a workmanlike collaborative performance that focused on superb songwriting, direct deliveries and outlaw classics. At a time when most modern country stars lean on Las Vegas-style glitz, Haggard and Kristofferson opted for the basics, using a few guitars and experience to communicate country music's core themes more effectively than any polished pop hook or fashionable outfit ever could.

Both in their 70s, the veterans acknowledged their distance from current trends and younger audiences. Haggard joked about their ages &#8212; and the singer's wish to be "Thirty Again" seemed more of an honest admission than a humorous plea. Not that he cared about fitting in or sparing anyone's feelings. With his signature Fender Telecaster slung across his body, he brought twang and grit, zinging targets with his fingers and tongue.

As Haggard handled the honky-tonk shuffles and bluesy solos, Kristofferson kept rhythm on an acoustic guitar and primarily stuck to balladic fare. His baritone sounded even more weather-beaten and craggy, the equivalent of a rough chunk of marble that's chipped and tarnished. Yet the smoky, etched qualities lent added emotional depth to lullabies such as "From Here to Forever" and the bittersweet "Pilgrim." Pensive favorites like "Sunday Morning Coming Down" also benefited from the slow, deliberate approach.

Laidback, conversational tones punctuated the arrangements. Backed by the Strangers, a minimalist six-piece band that included Haggard's son Benion on guitar, the duo could've just as easily been slouched against a bar, playing chords and trading lines while tossing back a couple of pints. Skewering both sides of the political fence and sharing histories, Haggard and Kristofferson even chatted as if they were at a pub. The convivial atmosphere made relaxing, drinking-song gems such as "I Think I'll Just Stay Here and Drink" and "Chase the Feeling" all the more apropos.